SPRINGFIELD, OR MONDAY, JULY 15, :30 P.M. MINUTES

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1 SPRINGFIELD PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCHOOL BOARD MEETING SPRINGFIELD, OR MONDAY, JULY 15, :30 P.M. MINUTES 1/ Board candidate interviews were held on, beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom of the Administration Center, 525 Mill Street, Springfield, Oregon. Those in attendance included Tom Atkinson, Garry Weber, Jonathan Light, Jamon Kent, Karen Lewis, Cherie Kistner, Dave Johnson, Tom Lindly, Greg James, Brett Yancey, Roger Jordan, Len Arney, Keith Hollenbeck, Charlie Beck, Steve Barrett, John & Judy Svoboda, Jim Heiss, Bruce Smolnisky, Liz Degner, Kim Sullivan of The Springfield News, and Anne Williams of The Register-Guard. The following candidates were interviewed for two open board positions: Laurie Adams, Elizabeth Aleman, Kathryn Brotherton, John DeWenter, Dave Horton, Al King, and Bruce Voyce. The interviews were concluded at 7:17 p.m. A regular meeting of the Lane County School District No. 19 Board of Education was held in the boardroom of the Administration Center. Attendance Board members in attendance included Tom Atkinson, Garry Weber, and Jonathan Light. District staff, students and community members identified included Jamon Kent, Karen Lewis, Cherie Kistner, Dave Johnson, Tom Lindly, Greg James, Brett Yancey, Roger Jordan, Len Arney, Keith Hollenbeck, Charlie Beck, Steve Barrett, John & Judy Svoboda, Jim Heiss, Bruce Smolnisky, Liz Degner, Steve Stermer, Brice Ellott, Stinson, Laura Pavlat, Yvonne Atteberry, Sheryl Ott, Laurie Adams, Dave Horton, John DeWenter, Dave Horton, Bruce Voyce, Kathryn Brotherton, Elizabeth Aleman, Debbie Egan, Nancy Bray, Anne Williams of The Register-Guard, and Kim Sullivan of The Springfield News. 1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Vice-Chairman Tom Atkinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and was followed by the Flag Salute. Mr. Atkinson suggested that the work session scheduled at the end of the board meeting be rescheduled to a later date in order for the new board members to review the survey materials. He also suggested that the board discuss which board members will represent the board at various school and community agencies and civic organizations. It was agreed that the topic be discussed during Other Business. 2. CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS FOR ACTION Motion: Garry Weber moved, Jonathan Light seconded, to approve the Consent Agenda, as specified in the superintendent s recommendations listed below: A. Approval of June 24, 2002 Minutes B. Beginning of Year Resolutions, Resolution # It was recommended that the Board of Directors approve the resolution designating District agents as Listed: LEGAL COUNSEL BE IT RESOLVED, that Merwin C. Logan, Attorney at Law, is hereby designated to serve as Legal Counselor of Springfield School District No. 19 for the fiscal year for general counsel (Real Estate, Contract Review, Etc.) Services. BE IT RESOLVED, that The Hungerford Law Firm, Attorney at Law, is hereby designated to serve as Legal Counselor of Springfield School District No. 19 for the fiscal year for Labor related and Special Education Services. Page 1 of 7

2 BE IT RESOLVED, that Bullivant Houser Bailey PC, Attorney at Law, is hereby designated to serve as Legal Counselor of Springfield School District No. 19 for the fiscal year for Liability, Litigation, and Other Specialized Services. All services will be provided on an as needed basis at the hourly rates indicated in the proposal responses. AUDITOR BE IT RESOLVED, that that Grove, Mueller & Swank, Certified Public Accountants, are hereby designated to serve as Auditors for Springfield School District No. 19 for the fiscal year PUBLIC CONTRACT REVIEW BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Directors will act as its own contract review board, and adopts Oregon Administrative Rules Contract Exemptions; Exceptions, , , , &2, , and C. Personnel Action, Resolution # It was recommended that the Board of Directors approve the personnel action for licensed employees as reflected in the resolution and the addendum as listed below: New Hires Paul Cesmat Kathleen Corwin Susan McCumsey Cynthia Sainz Gregory Saunders Kristin Strommer David Swanston Scott Touchette D. Early Leavers/Drop Out Committee Report VOTE: The motion passed: 3-0. Change of Contract Status Kathleen Bocanegra Jaylene Crawford Jo Pruett Jana Rogers-Stein Nicole Wittwer Vice Chairman Atkinson read the following letter, dated July 14, 2002, from Jennifer Heiss: Dear Springfield School Board and Community: Due to family and personal reasons I hereby resign from the Springfield School Board effective immediately. It has been an honor to represent the community and work for our students these last 14 years. I hope that I have never taken the responsibility and trust lightly and appreciate all of your support during this time. Continue to keep up the good work of taking care of our children. Thank you for letting me serve with you. Sincerely, Jennifer Heiss 3. ACTION ITEMS A. Board Member Appointment Vice Chairman Atkinson announced that, due to Ms. Heiss resignation, the board would be making two board member appointments tonight. Board members discussed the appointment process and agreed to vote on both positions at the same time by unanimous vote. Garry Weber clarified that appointees would need to seek election in spring Page 2 of 7

3 Mr. Atkinson thanked all seven applicants for their interest in the two open board positions and shared his hope for their continued involvement with Springfield Public Schools. Board Nominations In order to narrow the field, board members nominated candidates: Garry Weber nominated Laurie Adams Jonathan Light nominated Al King Garry Weber nominated Dave Horton Jonathan Light nominated Bruce Voyce Tom Atkinson nominated Kathryn Brotherton DISCUSSION: Board members discussed strengths of each of the nominated. Motion: Garry Weber moved, Jonathan Light seconded, to appoint Laurie Adams to Board Position 1, term and appointment expiring June 30, The motion was carried 3-0. DISCUSSION: Board members discussed board candidates Al King and Dave Horton. Motion: Jonathan Light moved, Garry Weber seconded, to appoint Al King to Board Position 3, term expiring June 30, 2005, appointment expiring June 30, Vice Chairman Atkinson thanked Dave Horton for his involvement in Springfield Public Schools and encouraged him to continue his involvement in Springfield Public Schools. Garry Webber and Jonathan Light both shared their appreciation for the work Mr. Horton has done for the district while serving on the budget committee and encouraged his continued involvement. The motion was carried 3-0. B. New Member Oath of Office The Oath of Office was administered to Laurie Adams for Board Position 1, term and appointment expiring June 30, The Oath of Office was administered to Al King for Board Position 3, term expiring June 30, 2005, and appointment expiring June 30, C. Election of Officers CHAIR Jonathan Light moved, Garry Weber seconded, to elect Tom Atkinson to serve as Chair of the Springfield Board of Education for the school year. Jonathan Light commented that Mr. Atkinson s experience on the board has prepared him to serve as Board Chair. The motion carried 5-0. VICE CHAIR Garry Weber moved, Laurie Adams seconded, to elect Jonathan Light to serve as Vice-Chair of the Springfield Board of Education for the school year. The motion carried 5-0. D Board Meeting Schedule It was recommended that the Board of Directors reaffirm the Board Meeting Schedule as presented. Page 3 of 7

4 Superintendent Kent pointed out that the changes in the board meeting schedule reflected the board s desire to hold a monthly meeting for the board to conduct its business, and work sessions for the board to hold more in-depth discussions on single topic issues. It was pointed out that should the need arise to take action during a scheduled work session, that could be accomplished. Motion: Garry Weber moved, Jonathan Light seconded, for approval. Jonathan Light reminded board members that one of the board goals from last year was to improve board meetings to be more efficient and more effective. Having work sessions would allow more in-depth discussions on topics. Al King commented that he liked the meeting schedule and suggested that the board move forward in approval of the calendar as presented. Laurie Adams expressed concern in the volume of business the board must conduct during a meeting and suggested the possibility that work sessions include Action Items as necessary. Chairman Atkinson pointed out for the new board members that the board has worked hard to condense the amount of routine business and focus more on strategic issues. The proposed meeting schedule reflects this goal and as Board Chair, Mr. Atkinson said his intent would be to keep in moving in that direction. Superintendent Kent reminded board members of the legal requirement (ORS ) to approve a board meeting schedule for the coming year. Board members were in agreement to move forward with the calendar. It was pointed out that the new board member names would be included. The motion carried 5-0. E. Supplemental Textbooks, First Reading It was recommended that the Board of Directors review as a first reading the request for: Acting Without Agony, Don Richardson, 1994 Strasberg s Method, S. Soraine Hull, 1985 In response to a question from Garry Weber regarding review of the textbooks, Len Arney said that a teacher could bring a book forward for review. Curriculum Department staff, as well as high school principal Catherine Spencer reviewed the two textbooks. Laurie Adams asked about the maximum number of sets that would be ordered; Len Arney replied that one or two classroom sets would be purchased. F. Board Policy IK, Academic Achievement, First Reading It was recommended that the Board of Directors review as a first reading the Board Policy IK, Academic Achievement. Len Arney pointed out the proposed additions to Board Policy IK brings the policy in line with the negotiated changes in the certified teacher contract. In response to a question from Garry Weber regarding who would contact the parent or guardian, Mr. Arney said the teacher giving the grade of C minus or below would make the contact. Regarding a comment made by Al King regarding the substantial effort to contact a parent or guardian, Mr. Arney agreed that sometimes it is very difficult to make contact with parents and that an attempt would be made by using one of three options: either in person, by phone or in written form. Page 4 of 7

5 A question was raised regarding the difference in reporting student progress at the elementary and secondary level. Superintendent Kent asked that Len Arney and Roger Jordan discuss the issue with Steve Dustrude and bring the policy back for First Reading again at the next meeting. 4. PUBLIC COMMENTS None 5. REPORTS and DISCUSSION Budget Update Brett Yancey provided an overview of the three special sessions, resulting in a potential statewide net reduction of $82 million (K-12). Mr. Yancey provided information on the recent developments in the state budget picture as well as the scenarios should Governor Kitzhaber veto any of the measures (SB 1022, HB 4055, HB 4056 and HB 4064). Mr. Yancey reported that if Ballot Measure 19 (to be referred to voters on a September 17, 2002 special election) were to fail, Springfield School District could have to reduce an additional $1.34 million. Mr. Yancey commented that the district is in sound financial condition and discussed the importance of maintaining a solid ending fund balance as the district heads into the next biennium that may face a $1.3 billion statewide shortfall. He encouraged continued sound fiscal decisions and establishment of a solid ending fund balance in order to mitigate future fiscal unknowns. In response to a question from Garry Weber regarding the stability of state funding, Mr. Yancey said that the stability of the Common School Fund, the State School Fund payment shift, and the Cigarette Tax Revenue Bonds are all in question. Board member Al King provided information on the Legislature s recent passage of the Cigarette Tax, as well as commented on the Common School Trust Fund and the likelihood that the Governor will issue vetoes. Mr. Yancey shared that if Governor Kitzhaber vetoed the Common School Fund, it could mean approximately$360,000 in additional reductions to Springfield Public Schools. Children s Internet Protection Act Tom Lindly, Technology Services Manager, provided an overview of the actions the Springfield School district has taken to insure compliance with the Children s Internet Protection. Mr. Lindly shared information on the: Implementation of a Technology Protection Measure Establishment of an Internet Safety Policy Public Notice and Hearing Mr. Lindly also provided an overview on how the district has benefited from E-Rate federal funding for technology projects including new telephone lines, data communication lines, cellular phone usage, pagers, and dispatch telephones. Mr. Lindly explained that the E-Rate funding The Springfield School District was reimbursed 62% on Federal E-Rate dollars, a figure based on a district s free and reduced lunch program. Mr. Lindly reported that projects that support Internet access, networks, the cost to Internet service providers, equipment necessary to access the internet, and internal connections also qualify for E-Rate funding. Board Communication Garry Weber thanked all candidates interviewed for open board positions. Mr. Weber also commented on the staffing changes made in the curriculum department and his vote on the Budget. He said that he voted in favor of the budget that he felt would not be making cuts in the curriculum area and would not have voted in support of the budget as presented had he known that reductions were going to be made. Chairman Atkinson responded that he felt the discussion was mixing staffing and budgeting issues and suggested the topic be discussed at the board s July 29 goal planning work session. Page 5 of 7

6 Jonathan Light welcomed new board members Al King and Laurie Adams and thanked them for agreeing to serve on the board. He stated that he would miss Jennifer Heiss for her many contributions to the students and the district. Board members concurred. Chairman Atkinson commented that Ms. Heiss was uniquely, deeply caring for the students of Springfield Public Schools. Laurie Adams commented that she and Jennifer Heiss started out many years ago as PTA moms. She pointed out Ms. Heiss service to students throughout the state by her involvement with the Teachers Standards and Practices Commission and the State Board of Education. Superintendent Comments Superintendent Kent reminded board members of the full TEAM Springfield meeting on July 17 at the Willamalane Swim Center beginning at 6:00 p.m., where each agency will provide a brief presentation. He provided an overview of the activities that TEAM Springfield has agreed to and the group s future projects. Mr. Kent shared that he had signed an agreement with HomeSource to provide educational opportunities for home schooled students in Springfield. The group has leased the district s Holly Street building (former Mt. Vernon School). Services to home schooled students will begin in July, bringing in approximately $10,000-15,000 per month to the district. Mr. Kent recommended changing the Pay-to-Play fees for the school year from $100, $200 and $400 per family to $75, $150 and $300. Superintendent Kent pointed out that 62% of the students in the district qualify for free and reduced lunches. Brett Yancey reported that the budget impact would be approximately $20,000. Board members were in agreement to move forward with the changes as recommended by Superintendent Kent. Superintendent Kent shared information about downtown Springfield developments involving improvements to Main Street property owned by the district and proposal for a Wild Duck restaurant in that space. Steve Barrett provided background information on the use of the district property and explained that downtown improvements could generate revenue for the district. Laurie Adams asked for an analysis of the value of the property, the potential value of leasing the property as it stands, the worth of selling the property, value of making improvements to the property, and the costs and use of the proposed building space. Board members discussed the property and improvements as they may relate to the current renovations being made to the McKenzie Theater property across the street. Al King expressed concern with how owning property fits into the education mission and questioned why the district would own any property that is not a part of the district s education mission. Superintendent Kent provided background information on the original rationale of purchasing the property for the district s alternative education program, Gateways Learning Center. Mr. Kent also provided an update on Steve Cornacchia s offer on behalf of the Finance Committee at the June 10 board meeting to provide leadership in advising the board with data on the feasibility of a possible future bond. Chairman Atkinson provided background information for the benefit of the new board members. Board members will await a response and recommendation from the group. 6. OTHER BUSINESS Superintendent Kent distributed an information packet for board members to discuss and update. Packet included: Communication Outreach Page 6 of 7

7 Springfield Board of Education Operating Agreements, Dated August 27, 2001 TEAM Springfield Mid-Year Joint Elected Officials Meeting Agenda, July 17, 2002, 6:30 p.m. OSBA Key Dates/Board Activities Calendar/Legal References and Explanation Carver Policy Governance Information District Organizational Chart Board members discussed the benefits of the Communication Outreach information and agreed to the following changes for : LCOG Rep: Al King / L-COG Alternate: Garry Weber Springfield Education Foundation Rep: Al King Finance Committee: Laurie Adams Board members agreed to continue discussions of representation for communication outreach at the July 29 board goal planning work session. They also asked that staff provide an updated District Organizational Chart. Chairman Atkinson asked board members Laurie Adams and Al King to set up one-on-one meetings with him and Superintendent Kent to help them get up to speed. Board members discussed holding informal one-on-one meetings throughout the year with the superintendent and key staff members, as well as the benefits of the entire board reviewing issues at the goal planning work session scheduled on July 29. Chairman Atkinson suggested that Public Comments be moved to item #2 on the board agendas. Board members discussed the suggestion and agreed to further discuss it at the July 29 goal planning work session. 7. NEXT MEETING Chairman Atkinson announced that the board would hold a Goal Planning Work Session on July 29, 2002 and that the next regular board meeting is scheduled for August 12, 2002, at the Administration Center boardroom. 8. ADJOURNMENT With no other business, Chairman Atkinson announced adjournment at 10:13 p.m. kl Page 7 of 7